Raymond Veon, UtahDr. van Rensburg's books and workshops are incredible! They make music composition fun and easy while building critical performance skills. Through her lessons and strategies, students develop skills and learn to think musically - and apply their learning independently, on their own outside of music class. In short, the author shows how music teachers can help students take ownership of their learning and musicianship. As a former Director of Fine and Performing Arts in a large school district, and now as a university arts administrator, I highly recommend her books.

Mariah Sands, Wisconsin

Before going to your presentation, I had a very narrow scope of how to integrate composition into the classroom. Having never composed before, I also viewed composing as something that could only be done with many years of formal instruction. Thank you for opening my eyes and sharing your wisdom! There is no doubt in my mind that I will use the activities that were presented and use your publications in the future. Thank you!

Cassie Tingo, Wisconsin

Loved your presentation at wmea. Looking forward to using the info in class!​

Shawn Gudmunson, Wisconsin

Adriana,I too went to WMEA and immediately on Monday tried the human xylophone to help with sight-reading exercises. WOW! What a great idea. I first had the students sing the xylophone, since I had more than 8 students for the scale I doubled the notes. Then we tried the sight reading note by note. Following the note by note, we all sang it as a class. WHAT A PHENOMENAL RESULT! The kids loved and the first comment by one of my lower students was:"Wow Mr. G, sight reading is so much easier than you taught it before. You should do more research more often! HAHA!. Thanks so much for your presentation at WMEA. Love the fact that you gave so many ready- to-use strategies. Much appreciated! Thanks!

Jodie Jensen, Colorado

Adriana, I must say thank you for your Creative Music Class lesson plans. The Landscape-Soundscape lesson was a true theory/composition class saver yesterday. We have had so much snow and the kids were antsy to be out in the warm Colorado Springs weather. We used the first part of your lesson plan and had a blast. Most of the kids jumped right from the prepared score to a melody. Outside, creating contours of Pikes Peak and Ute Valley Park (my home has a view of both these lovely mountainous areas) gave the kids lots of material to pull from. ​

Again, thank you for your expertise and willingness to share with us.

Dave Gilbert, Utah

I had an unique opportunity to attend a workshop taught by Dr. Janse van Rensburg in Logan, Utah. In that short 90 minutes, I came away very excited to try a new way of teaching by incorporating composition in my elementary music classes. I discovered new and refreshing strategies to engage all learners and found her expertise in the field of music education invaluable.

Seth Roach, KansasGreat session on Composition at KMEA. Thanks!

​Dale Belcher, KansasThanks for the great ideas at KMEA.

Darlene B.

​I downloaded the freebie (secret code) and my 14yo son was drawn in. He has some auditory processing issues that can be addressed with activities like this, so if you have the ebooks, I'll purchase one or more to use with him. I believe these are for classroom situations, but I will adapt them for one-on-one. He plays classical piano, and is very interested in composing...he craves to. So I'm glad I found your resource.

Jessica Frehner, Alabama

I heard you were amazing! Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to learn more!​

William Frame, Minnesota

I found your seminar to be very useful for my own interest in composition in the classroom, as I am beginning the research component of my thesis on the level of incorporation of the Create music education standard in instrumental classrooms.